A Guide to Finding a Good Roofer

Roofing problems can cause you a lot of distress especially if they occur during harsh weather seasons. You do not have to wait for your roof to be completely cave in to call in a roofer. Roofing contractors are available in huge numbers, and it is easy to find one over the internet, through referrals and even using your local directory.

While a good roofer can offer durable solutions to your roofing problems, a poor contractor can exacerbate your problems and leave you with more roof damages. It is therefore imperative that you select your roofing contractor carefully. Below are tips on some important criteria to consider when looking for a good roofer.

​1. Licenses and registration.When selecting a roofer to fix your property, you must ensure that they are licensed and registered by the relevant bodies within your state. You should request for the contractor’s registration number and ascertain that it is valid. Licensing and registration are signs of strong qualifications to carry out the job.

2. Insurance.No matter how desperate your roof situation may seem, you should avoid uninsured roofers at all costs. Insurance indemnifies you and your property against any damages that may be caused by the contractor during their work. You, therefore, have to ask about the insurance status of the contractor and find out details such as who is covered under this scheme and what amount is the insurance plan.

3. Written proposal and contract.Never accept a proposal that is not drafted and well written. Many homeowners have suffered the effects of hiring unqualified contractors who offer unwritten and vague suggestions. You have to assess the written proposal and ensure that you are comfortable with the structural as well as financial implications that the contractor is proposing. This will save you from horrible surprises.

4. Warranty.Many roofing companies offer warranties for materials and services provided. You need to know the terms of warranty provided by the contractor and make sure that they are favorable and commensurate with the services offered.

5. Costs.You should consider the cost of repairing or building your new roof. A contractor should not be too expensive in comparison to other contractors in the market. Any roofer who insists on hourly payments must be avoided as they can easily escalate the costs of repair and delay the completion of the job. You should also avoid seeking the cheapest roofing contractors because many times, cheap tends to be expensive when it comes to roofing jobs.

6. Time frame.It is important that you discuss the time-frame for fixing or repairing your roof before signing the contract. You should avoid any roofing contractor who is unable to give you a specific date or estimated time-frame within which he can complete the work.​A good roofer will strive to do a good job within the time frame specified. When selecting roofing contractors, it is best to work with referrals from friends and people within your social circles as this can give you the assurance of a proper job.